The Robbie Burns Feast Dinner
Once again, another term full of friends, fun and events has passed and the last major event of the term was the Robbie Burns Feast Dinner. For those who do not know, Robbie Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is celebrated all over the world and College House has no exception to such a celebration. The night began with students getting dressed up in an array of tartan kilts (or in most student’s cases, $5 tartan material from Lincraft, pinned on with multiple safety pins) and blue crosses painted on their faces.
Ruth Clifford, Bianca Iggo and Bridget Kiddle with the blue cross painted on their faces reading for Robbie Burns.
Students, staff and guests were welcomed into the dining hall by leaver student Basti Prescott playing the bagpipes. The dining hall had been transformed into a Scottish themed banquet hall, with Scottish flags and paraphernalia hanging from ropes across the room, candles flickering and of course, Mackintosh lollies spread over the tables.
A Scottish feast could not be one without a traditional haggis. David Round, a lecturer from Canterbury University blessed the haggis by performing a Scottish poem whilst hacking it open with a knife. Students then yelled a toast to the haggis and did a shot of whiskey.
David Round blessing the Haggis, while students Jae Levy and Sam Donald watch
Speeches by Jake McConnell, Connor McErlich and Ana Morrison were presented throughout the night, all of which had everybody in fits of laughter, and Tate Steele showcased his sword wielding skills during Ana’s speech.
Tate Steele wielding the sword during Ana Morrison’s speech
Later on, everybody danced to Scottish music by the Black Velvet Band and we were able to see everybody’s (rather interesting) attempts at highland dancing.
Holly Webster teaching Julia Rolleston to Highland dance
The night drew to a close with College Houses’ band, Little Red Cookbook playing a set and then singing Auld Lang Syne very triumphantly. Although we saw many boys in kilts which were far too short and had sore feet from Scottish dancing in heels, everybody had a fantastic time.
Rhys Fitzgerald, Giorgia Miller-Thevenard and Grechen Nicholls showing off their Stanford House bear (it is a Robbie Burns traditions for each house to decorate a new bear each year)